Brachytherapy Available Soon
This spring, another treatment
option will be available for
those with prostate cancer—
brachytherapy. Dr. Aggarwal
will perform brachytherapy
surgery at Prince William and
Fauquier Hospitals.
A New Option
Brachytherapy is sometimes
called internal radiation therapy.
It involves implanting a small
radioactive seed directly into a
tumor or in the area around a
tumor. Brachytherapy allows a
higher dose of radiation to be
given in a small area without
damaging healthy tissue. This
increases the chance that the
tumor will be destroyed. Brachytherapy
also cuts down on the
number of treatments needed.
Just two brachytherapy treatments
can deliver the same
amount of radiation therapy as
42 external-beam treatments.
Coordination of Care
Patients who choose brachytherapy
treatment can expect
the highest level of care. Dr.
Aggarwal works closely with
patients’ referring doctors to
plan the appropriate treatment
and follow-up care. “We also
educate patients so that they
can be a full participant in their
treatment and recovery,” says
Dr. Aggarwal.
